How to Remodel an Old Farmhouse

by Mary Cockrill

Farmhouses can impart a simple, tranquil ambiance.

Remodeling an old farmhouse can require significant amounts of patience and resources from you, along with a clear vision of the reasons you've decided to tackle this project. The age and condition of a farmhouse help to determine the quantity and types of renovations needed to provide a safe, comfortable and aesthetically-pleasing home. Take a good look at your farmhouse and create a prioritized list of items you want to change. Next, set a budget that you can live with and stick to it. Doing some of the work yourself can save professional labor costs that typically come with a hefty price tag.

Legalities

Before starting a major remodeling project, check with local authorities for rules, regulations and building codes pertaining to renovations of residential or historic homes. Pay any required government fees and obtain the necessary permits or licenses. A farmhouse built before 1970 may contain asbestos embedded in the roofing or siding shingles, insulation materials, flooring tiles or other areas of the home. Even though private homes aren't typically covered by the asbestos regulations that apply to public buildings and schools, asbestos-removal specialists should abide by procedures described during government-approved training. Also, homes built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint. If a contractor is hired to paint, repair or renovate your farmhouse in a way that disturbs lead-based paint, it's mandatory that he be trained in lead-safe work practices. Acquire a professional to inspect the pipes, fixtures and solder for any lead content if your farmhouse was built prior to 1986.

Professional Home Inspector

Making sure a farmhouse hasn't incurred any major structural damage is a good idea prior to tackling other remodeling projects. A professional home inspector can inspect your home for cracks or flaws in the foundation or major support beams, roof integrity, water or bug-infested damage and other potentially harmful concerns. He can also check to see if plumbing fixtures, electrical wiring and heating systems are code-compliant and safe. His findings can provide you with a list of items that need to be repaired or replaced.

Exterior

Remove old, deteriorating exterior siding and replace it with new siding. Durable siding made of vinyl, fiber cement or a stone or brick veneer enhances the irresistible charm of a country farmhouse. Some siding materials are fire-resistant and don't require periodic painting. Fiberglass-based asphalt shingles provide a simple, budget-friendly roofing material that complements a farmhouse design. For siding that requires painting, cover the exterior of your farmhouse in crisp, white paint accented with jet-black trim and shutters for a traditional farmhouse look. Shades of green, yellow or red convey a more modern feel for your farmhouse. Apply red paint to the front door to impart a warm welcome to guests.

Interior

Old farmhouses weren't constructed or equipped with the energy-saving materials and modern appliances available today. Help keep your farmhouse at a comfortable temperature by adding insulation to the attic and walls and installing a new heating system. Replace old single-pane windows with energy-efficient double- or triple-pane windows. Install energy-efficient appliances in the kitchen and paint existing cabinetry in a distressed, sage-green color for an authentic farmhouse style. Refinish hardwood flooring that's in good condition, or remove old flooring and replace it with new hardwood floors. Add bead-board wainscoating to the walls and furnish your home with antique iron beds topped with handmade quilts, apron-front sinks installed in the kitchen and bathrooms and open bookshelves filled with old books.

About the Author

Mary Cockrill's education and certifications in interior design and home staging have allowed her to author numerous home-related articles. Cockrill has been a top design consultant for a renowned home store and is the owner of Starwood Home & Gifts, LLC, an interior design, decorating and home staging business. She holds a Bachelor of Science in secondary education with a comprehensive major in office administration.

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